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NMDOH recommends Albuquerque spa clients receive testing for blood-borne infections

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SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health recommended Sept. 10 that certain persons who received any type of injection related service, including a vampire facial, at the VIP Spa, located at 809 Tijeras Avenue, NW Suite B, Albuquerque, visit the Midtown Public Health Office located at 2400 Wellesley Ave. NE in Albuquerque this week, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C lab testing and counseling.

“It is very important that anyone who received a vampire facial or other injection related service at the VIP Spa in May or June of 2018 come to the Midtown Public Health Office for free and confidential lab testing and counseling,” NMDOH Cabinet Secretary Lynn Gallagher said.

During an inspection of the VIP Spa by the NMDOH and the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, Barbers and Cosmetologists Board Sept. 7, practices were identified at the spa that could potentially spread blood-borne infections such as HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C to clients.

The VIP Spa was issued a cease and desist letter by the Board, and closed immediately.  The inspection was undertaken because a client of the VIP Spa developed an infection that may have resulted from a procedure performed by the VIP Spa.

For questions about NMDOH free and confidential lab testing and counseling services for clients of the VIP Spa, contact the Midtown Public Health Office at (505) 670-8615 during regular business hours. After 5 pm or on weekends, contact (505) 827-0006.

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